Dodd runner up in Suffolk Stroke Play Championship

Kevin Earp of Bury Golf Range won the Mallinson Cup as the 2012 Suffolk PGA stroke play champion with rounds of 69 and 67 at Southwold to put him four under par for the tournament. He collected the first prize of £1000 as his reward for some marvellous golf.

He held off a strong challenge from former Scottish amateur international Peter Latimer of Felixstowe Ferry and former England amateur international Lawrence Dodd of Bury Golf Range.

Latimer, who played in the Home internationals in 2010, has started his PGA training under Robert Joyce at Felixstowe. He finished one shot behind Earp and watched as the winner sunk a five-foot pressure putt for birdie on the final hole in front of the club house to clinch victory.

Dodd, the Suffolk Open Champion with plenty of experience at top level, was two shots behind Earp. He was in the same group as Latimer which provided compelling viewing as they battled it out with little to choose between them.

Earp was first round leader with 69 with Latimer and Dodd both signing for level par 70. It was good competitive golf on a nine-hole course which received plaudits from everyone. It was one of the best SPGA championships since the silver trophy was presented in 1927. It was also the first time it has been hosted by Southwold whose members seemed to enjoy the occasion just as much as the players appreciated a course which some of them had never previously visited.